`Agaton’ weakens into LPA, all storm signals lifted

MT Satellite January 20, 2014, 11:32 a.m. Screengrab from https://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/

MANILA, Philippines – Storm signals were lifted as tropical depression Agaton has weakened into a low pressure area midday Monday but moderate to heavy rains were still seen over parts of Mindanao.

As of 10 a.m., the LPA was spotted 400 kilometers east southeast of Davao City, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said.

“The LPA is expected to bring moderate to occasionally heavy rains and thunderstorms over Northern Mindanao, Caraga and Davao Region,” the weather bureau said.

However, sea travel is still risky over the seaboards of Luzon, Visayas and Caraga region.

At least 41 people were killed due to the floods and landslides caused by the weather disturbance that wreaked havoc in Mindanao over the weekend.

Tens of thousands of passengers were also stranded in seaports after authorities refused sea vessels to sail amid the bad weather.

At least P328 million worth of properties were damaged in Northern Mindanao alone. Of the number, P203 million was for agriculture and P125 million for infrastructure.

More than a half a million people were affected by “Agaton,” with 161,000 families displaced, some staying in evacuation centers.

It was earlier reported that “Agaton” would remain in the Philippine area of responsibility until Wednesday.

Related Stories:

‘Agaton’ damage reaches over P300M

‘Agaton’ lingers; Signal No.1 still up in 6 areas